Unlike high school (or at least the last semester of it!) college takes a bit more than just showing up. You’ve probably noticed this in class — and out.
Take living on your own (and on your own dime), for example. It’s a rite of passage, but knowing how to afford the experience you’re dreaming of isn’t so obvious. Spending and saving while you’re a student can wind up adding another layer of stress.
That’s where SoFi and this guide step in, offering you the info and tools you need to stress less and succeed. As a one-stop shop for your finances, SoFi is here to help you bank, borrow, budget, and invest — with our innovative products and features. Our aim: to empower you to take control of your financial journey – and even enjoy the ride.
Check us out! We’ll help you ace your financial life.
Getting your money right means different things to different people, especially as you move through your college years. Maybe you’re all about getting tuition paid or creating (and sticking to) a budget. Or maybe you landed an amazing summer job (nice!) and want to learn how to invest. No matter what it means to you, we’re here to help you make the most of your money, today and tomorrow.
You’re used to swiping and tapping your way to cool clothes, midnight snacks, and the funniest TikToks. So it makes sense to use your phone to bank. With SoFi, you can open an all-in-one checking and saving account that earns amazing interest — straight from your smartphone. With no account fees, SoFi Checking and Savings puts your funds at your fingertips. Plus, college students can earn up to $10 just for signing up and using their debit card.
You want to have as fun and carefree a college experience as you can (in between studying and exams, that is). But it’s hard to relax if you keep running out of money for weekend plans and pick-me-up lattes. Read on for smart, painless money strategies that make college life (and what comes next) a lot easier to afford.
Imagine winning $2,500 for college^ with no essays and no effort. That’s the SoFi Scholarship Giveaway.
^No purchase necessary. Visit SoFi.com/Scholarship-Giveaway to view Official Rules for further details, including monthly drawing deadlines. Ends: 12/31/24. Open to SoFi members who are 18+ US residents of and attending a 4-year college in 50 U.S. states (+ DC). Void where prohibited by law.
Summer jobs fall through. Savings run dry. Scholarships aren’t always a guarantee. If your college tuition plans didn’t quite work out, these resources can help you find ways to cover the shortfall.
You may have different options for funding your education depending on where your school is in the country. Here are some resources to help you cut through the noise.
Select your state to get started:
Sweating that tuition bill? We hear you. If you’ve exhausted your financial aid and federal loan options, SoFi may be able to help you get the money you need for school. With competitive low rates and no fees, our private student loans top many “best” lists. (Sorry not sorry to brag.) Apply online and cut the waiting-to-know time.
Whether you’re starting a work-study job, summer gig, or post-grad position (congrats!), you may be wondering: Why is my paycheck less than what I earned? How long does a deposit take to be available? Can I speed things up? When it comes to your money, there are no stupid questions. Get answers — and learn the ins and outs of paychecks and bank accounts, literally.
It’s 10 pm. Do you know where your money is? SoFi Insights helps you keep tabs on your income and expenses in real-time and at no cost. And with an up-to-date view of your finances, you’ll know what you can afford — and what you can’t.
Soon enough, you’ll be navigating the real world. Now’s a great time to begin honing some financial skills that’ll see you through this big life transition. Learn about starter salaries, rents, and more.
The truth is a mighty weapon. And we’ll help you use it to strike down the myths that block your ultimate quest: paying for college.
In a world that revolves around credit, having a low credit score, or no credit history at all, can be seriously limiting. Take a look at how to build and use credit responsibly – which in turn can help open more doors for you.
You’re invited! Open an account with us (any kind of account – bank, loan, app) and you’ll become a SoFi member. Joining our community comes with loads of benefits, including VIP experiences, referral bonuses, SoFi Rewards, and more! Also, if you join our student ambassador program, you can earn great rewards like limited-edition swag, early access to products, and 2X SoFi rewards points.
You’ve probably heard stories about people investing in their 20s, becoming financially independent, and retiring early. If you want to declare your independence some day, the first step is exploring how to grow your hard-earned cash in both established and emerging ways.
You don’t actually have to be a financial whiz to trade stocks. Our beginner’s investing guide can give you a crash course. Once you’re ready, you can test the waters with as little as $5 on SoFi’s investing platform.
Finally, calculators that tell you more useful stuff than square roots! We’ve got what you need to figure out numbers you need, like when you’ll be totally free of your student loans (and maybe even how to speed up that timetable), how much you can save with a SoFi personal loan, or just how rich your retirement can be if you start contributing funds now. Test-drive our calculators below.
Ready for some straight talk from a financial adviser? SoFi’s Brian Walsh answers your spending, saving, and loan questions on everything from “Is College Worth It?” to “When Should I Use My Credit Card?”
Got as good listening skills as reading skills? For more financial help, investing insight, or just some general encouragement, subscribe to a SoFi podcast. You’ll hear the latest news and commentary to help you reach your financial goals. Or sign up for the SoFi Daily Newsletter — and get news you can use delivered directly to your inbox.